The doll friendship project here is a story in itself. More
than a year ago a little sick girl, forbidden all activity, found life becoming
very dull indeed. The one little room, the one little bed, were so narrow when
all the world called and one was young. Then came a letter containing the first
proposition of the doll envoys of friendship to Japan. "Let's send
one," cried the little girl. "Mother will dress it, I know." Of
course mother did. It was such fun imagining the delight of the new home and
preparing for any adventure Miss Dollie might meet.
"Why can't we ask some of the other little girls to send
dolls too?" questioned the gentle voice. "Mother, would you mind being
telephone girl and secretary if we formed a committee?" Again mother
approved of the plan and smiled as she saw the gleam of interest and of love in
the pale face.
And so the committee was formed: one little sick-a-bed girl,
one mother thankful that the world would come to her child in such a happy
guise, and a host of friends ready to encourage and to help.
Soon the dolls poured in. Mother dressed many of them at the
little girl's bedside; others were dressed by classmates and friends. The men
gave money, even the Rotary Club counted this as a spoke in their service wheel,
and the company grew until one day, in gala apparel, the dolls were ready to
depart.
Great fun it was to plan the big reception, and to have mother
read the account in the paper next day. When the dolls were off on their long
journey, how interesting it was to follow them every step of the way, to know of
the strange new customs they would soon adopt, to fancy what new scenes would
greet them.
The little girl grew stronger and better, and could look again
upon the friendly world from which she had been shut away so many months. At
last came the great day, the day when these Japanese ambassadors of love and
friendship came to smile on us, and the little girl gathered with her young
friends once more to rejoice.
You may read of that reception in the papers, but no reporter
could glimpse the joy and radiance in the hearts of children who had learned to
understand and love the children of another land.